Diamond Certified Category Report

Sonoma County – Chimney Sweep

Best Chimney Sweep cleans chimneys, stove flues, fireplaces, dryer vents and more for homeowners, property managers, homeowners’ associations, and real estate professionals throughout the North Bay. The company also services damaged systems and provides video and imaging support to help…
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Key Services

Chimney Cleaning Dryer Vent Cleaning

AREAS SERVED

Serving all of Marin and Sonoma counties including Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, San Anselmo,…

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How To Choose

Selecting a Good Chimney Sweep in Sonoma County

The heating prices of homes began to rise significantly in the '70s and '80s. Many people decided to try wood as a cheaper source of energy. With this new interest in firewood, there was also a big increase in the wood burning stove market. With this surge in wood-burning stoves, the problems encountered a hundred years ago returned. As soot and creosote accumulate in chimneys, a fire hazard is created which could only be eradicated by a professional chimney sweep. This created a new job market for independent chimney sweep companies in Sonoma County and local fireplace safety inspectors.

There are many chimney sweep companies in Sonoma County to choose from that serve the major cities of Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Windsor, as well as the smaller towns like Agua Caliente, Camp Meeker, Fetters Hot Springs, and Monte Rio. But before you choose a good chimney sweep for your home, do some research to find out which company is right for you.

Deciding if You Need to Hire a Chimney Professional in Sonoma County
Before hiring a chimney professional to clean your chimney or fireplace, ask yourself these questions:

Do the visible parts of your fireplace or stove need to be cleaned?

Do the fireplace ashes need to be cleaned out?

Could you clean your fireplace or wood stove without having hire a professional chimney sweep?

You don't need to call a chimney sweep if you only need cosmetic jobs done. Those, you can do yourself.

If you have used your wood stove for several months (especially burning oily wood like pine), you will want to have a chimney sweep eliminate the build-up of creosote. This creosote is released when the wood burns and stays on the inner walls of the chimney or the flue. Soot can be removed with a wire brush alone, but creosote cannot. When creosote and soot become hot enough, the end result can be a chimney fire. So if you are burning oily wood on a consistent basis and think there may be a buildup of creosote, call a professional chimney sweep in Sonoma County. Chimney sweeps use chemicals to breakdown the hardened creosote to easily remove them and reduce your risk of fire.

How to Find Trained, Professional Chimney Cleaning Companies in Sonoma County
When you decide to hire a chimney sweep, ask for the credentials of the company. You may also want to ask for the chimney sweep's level of training. Many of the chimney sweep companies in Sonoma County belong to national associations. These associations have very strict guidelines about the training and the services. Individual chimney sweeps may actually get certification from a fire safety training center. However, because the greater need for chimney sweeps, there are many fly by night training setups. A trained professional chimney sweep will not just run a wire brush in the chimney a few times and leave. You will find the most genuine advertising from friends and neighbors with word burning stoves.

If you are on a budget, look for a chimney sweep who only cleans and inspects chimneys, not one who repairs. Sonoma County chimney sweeps who work for larger maintenance companies may find other problems during the cleaning, which will leave the homeowner subject to extra charges. A good chimney sweep will have state of the art equipment and tools, but wouldn't use this cleaning job to do many upgrades and repairs. It is appropriate for the chimney sweep to show the homeowner possible problems, but the owner should then be able to determine how he/she wants to take care of these repairs.

Sonoma County chimney sweeps have busy and slow seasons. Most people will think of hiring chimney sweeps during the early winter months so they can be prepared for the winter weather. The best time to schedule your appointment might be in the spring or summer, unless it is an emergency. Homes that depend heavily on this type of stove may need to clean it two to four times during the winter. You also should ask about availability when hiring the chimney sweep. It might be several months before there is an opening in the schedule.

You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a chimney sweep that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified chimney cleaning company. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated chimney cleaning service and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

Andy Gatley is owner of Best Chimney Sweep, a Diamond Certified company since 2004. He can be reached at (707) 742-3949 or by email.

Andy Gatley

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Andy Gatley: Sweeping Up the Town

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Program Reporter

SANTA ROSA — When asked about their motivations for entering a particular trade, most professionals cite an auspicious opportunity, the influence of a family member or a specific attribute that drew them to the industry. When asked how he got started sweeping chimneys, Andy Gatley blames it on the decline of a foreign economy. “I used to be a diamond cutter, but when the Japanese economy took a dive in the late ’90s, I found myself out of work,” he recounts. “I started working for a friend who cleaned chimneys and later partnered with another guy who ended up selling me his business. Since I went from cutting diamonds to sweeping chimneys, I guess I’m technically still in the carbon business…just the dirtier end.”

Today, as owner of Best Chimney Sweep, Andy says that while his job is dirty, there’s also a lot to appreciate about it. “I enjoy meeting new people and having conversations with them. I also like being my own boss, as well as getting to travel all over the place and not be stuck in an office. I could probably do without the part where I come home each day covered in soot and smelling to high heaven, but hey, what are you gonna do?”

A long-time resident of the North Bay, Andy says he enjoys the region’s scenic diversity above all. “There are so many different things to see here—one day I’m working in the city, the next day I’m out at the coast and the following day I’m driving through Wine Country. It’s really nice to have that kind of variety.”

Outside of work, Andy stays occupied with a number of hobbies and pastimes, including martial arts, music and skateboarding. “I’ve been skateboarding since I was five years old,” he says. “Now I’m old enough to know better, but I still do it anyway. I also like playing keyboards in my home music studio, and just for fun, sometimes I help out at a local TV station where some of my friends work.”

In regard to a professional philosophy, Andy says his mother taught him everything he knows about customer service. “My mom had her own interior decorating business, and she really emphasized the importance of customer service, which has stuck with me throughout the years. Computers and technology are wonderful, but at the end of the day, it’s the element of personal touch that really counts.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Andy gives a classic response. “I would go to Disneyland, and then I’d come back and figure out what to do next. I’d probably donate a lot of my time to Big Brothers Big Sisters and other charitable organizations, which is something I’d love to do now, but I don’t really have the time.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted?
A: I used to compete in street luge, which basically consists of rolling downhill while lying on an 8-foot-long skateboard. One time, at Dinosaur Point in Gilroy, I clocked in at 74 miles per hour!

Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose?
A: The piano.

Q: Who makes you laugh?
A: I’m really into British comedy, so definitely Monty Python.

Troubleshooting Dryer Vent Issues

by Andy Gatley, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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SANTA ROSA — A common issue when it comes to home appliances is a reduction in dryer efficiency. In addition to longer drying times, this issue is often accompanied by overheating of the dryer unit. In many cases, these symptoms… Read more

Expert Video Tip

Video: Troubleshooting Dryer Vent Issues

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Complete Video Transcription:

SANTA ROSA — Host, Sarah Rutan: If your dryer is dirty or doesn’t seem to be functioning properly, it may be due to a problem with…
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Know What You Want

Know What You Want from a Sonoma County Chimney Sweep

Before choosing a chimney sweep in Sonoma County to clean the chimney or wood stove in your home, consider which chimney sweep or chimney cleaning companies is best equipped to complete a chimney inspection and related chimney services.

Knowing that proper maintenance and attention to service will protect you from preventable fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to carefully choose professional chimney cleaning companies.

Some questions you can ask to help ensure the chimney sweep is a credible technician are:

Has the Sonoma County chimney sweep you're considering had complaints filed against them?

Do I want a Diamond Certified chimney cleaning company that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Guarantee?

What personal and professional characteristics would I like my Sonoma County chimney sweep to have? (i.e. good communication skills, starting the chimney cleaning job on time, honesty, reliability, timeliness, cleanliness, etc.)

How many years has the Sonoma County chimney sweep company been in business?

Does the chimney contractor have any current references?

Does this chimney contractor have a business liability insurance policy to protect your house and furnishings if there are accidents?

What To Ask In Person

What Questions to Ask of Sonoma County Chimney Sweeps in Person

After choosing a few of the best chimney sweeps or chimney sweep companies in Sonoma County, set appointments with some of the best so you can meet the representative. Questions to consider asking at this point include:

Do I need the soot cleaned out or is there creosote present, too?Creosote is highly flammable and its presence in the chimney can ignite a chimney fire. Creosote in the chimney may indicate poor burning practices or a burning appliance that isn't working very well. Either way, you want to know if it is there, how the chimney sweep will remove it, and what you can do to prevent the presence of creosote in the chimney. Soot is a safe substance as long as it is removed before it accumulates and interferes with draft. Usually it can be easily brushed away.

Will it be necessary for you to go on the roof?A chimney professional may clean from the top down or clean from the bottom up. There is not one method preferred over the other method. You will want to know this procedure if you are concerned about the ladder doing damage to your landscaping.

What exactly do you do to clean out the chimney?The chimney sweep should be able to give you a step by step explanation of how he/she plans to clean your chimney and what he will do to protect your household during the cleaning process.

How long will it take to complete the chimney cleaning services?Every home is different, but the average thorough cleaning will take from 45 minutes to an hour. This time could increase significantly if there is creosote in your flue, or if the flue is damaged, or if there is a blockage such as a bird's nest.

Do you charge a flat rate or by the hour for your chimney sweep services?

What To Ask References

Questions to Ask References of Chimney Sweep Companies in Sonoma County

It is wise to select a Diamond Certified chimney sweep company because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other chimney cleaning companies can't pass. If you want quality from a professional chimney sweep in Sonoma County, including the larger cities of Cotati, Guerneville, Santa Rosa, and Petaluma, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you'll never be fooled by fake reviews. That's because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can't find a Diamond Certified chimney sweep company within reach, you'll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it's wise to call some references provided by your chimney sweep company. Keep in mind, though, that references given to you by the chimney sweep company are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That's because references given to customers from companies are rarely randomly selected from all their customers. So the company will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the chimney maintenance company's 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied. Ask general questions about their experience with the company's personnel as well as specific questions about the chimney sweep services provided. Questions you might want to ask include:

What chimney sweep services did the _(Sonoma County chimney sweep company name_) do for you?

Were you satisfied with the chimney sweep services from this Sonoma County chimney sweep company?

What did you like best about this particular Sonoma County chimney sweep professional?

Would you go back to this chimney sweep company for future chimney sweep services?

If you live in smaller towns such as Alexander Valley, Cazadero, Forestville, and Occidental, did they charge extra to travel to your home?

Would you/have you recommend this chimney sweep company to your friends and family?

Did the chimney sweep company listen to and communicate with you?

Did the company show up on time?

Did they clean up after completing the job?

Do you feel the price was fair for the chimney sweep services you had done?

Review Your Options

Selecting a Chimney Sweep Company in Sonoma County

The Diamond Certified symbol has been awarded to companies that scored Highest in Quality in an accurate ratings process.

Selecting the right chimney sweep company is an important concern. More costly companies do not necessarily offer better value.

On the other hand, less expensive chimney cleaning companies may not provide all the services that you want. It's significant to understand that every chimney sweep professional will perform their jobs differently. Ask for a specific checklist of exactly what your chimney sweep work will include.

Before making a final decision on the best chimney sweep company in Sonoma County for you, consider these questions:

What does the Sonoma County chimney sweep company offer that is specific to my needs?

Is the chimney sweep company bonded and insured?

Can a chimney sweep company in Sonoma County provide your requirements for scheduling, chimney maintenance, and customer service?

Is the chimney company devoted to your satisfaction?

What are the billing practices of the chimney sweep company?

When was the last time chimney cleaning rates were raised? It is important to understand how often the costs chimney cleaning are raised so that you are not surprised in the future by unexpected increases.

How To Work With

Working with a Chimney Sweep Company in Sonoma County

Sonoma County chimney sweep companies you can trust for regular or one-time only chimney sweep services should give you peace of mind. They should also give you the freedom to know you can burn your fireplace or woodstove safely. First, you will want to meet with the chimney sweep company representative and explain the services you are wanting. Be as detailed as possible, and remember: the representative should not rush you.

Also it is necessary to answer their questions and listen to their suggestions and observations, just as it's important for them to listen to you and answer your questions. Ask for an explanation if you don't understand what the chimney sweep representative is telling you or if they are using language and terms you can't understand. You should entirely comprehend the services offered, policies, fees and guarantees before you sign an agreement or leave the shop.

Be a Good Customer

Be a Good Chimney Sweep Professional's Customer

It is the chimney sweep company's obligation to offer quality chimney sweep services using the best products and supplies. But you play a big part in the success of your chimney cleaning services, too. Here is some advice you can take to be a good customer when hiring a chimney sweep company in Sonoma County, including the major cities of Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cotati, Guerneville and Sonoma:

Before you hire a chimney sweep in Sonoma County, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the chimney sweep representative your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local chimney sweep company occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.

Pay for the chimney sweep service promptly.

Be clear and upfront with the chimney sweep company. Let them know what you want from your chimney sweep professional, the long-term outcome you're expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.

Ask your chimney sweep professional if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.

Be sure your service representative has a phone number where they can reach you at all times. The work will move along more smoothly if your chimney sweep professional can reach you for any necessary updates, questions or work authorizations.

When your contractor contacts you, return calls promptly to keep the chimney sweep professional on schedule.

Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!

You will want to be a good customer. Chimney sweep professionals in Sonoma County appreciate customers who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment beneficial to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.

The total cost for chimney services, including the amount due for labor.

Any applicable warrantees or guarantees provided by the chimney sweep company.

It is wise to compare the completed work to what was promised on the written invoice. Ask your company representative to walk through the area with you and show you the work. Check what was done against the invoice. During the walk-through, ask if there are any special instructions for maintaining your chimney during the months of use. If you have questions about the work that was done or the materials used, this would be the time to ask.

Written Warranties

Written Warranties from the Chimney Sweep Companies in Sonoma County

The majority of good chimney sweep contractors give some type of warranty on their work or on the materials they've used. All warranty details should be provided to you in writing during the contract phase or at the completion of the job. This written warranty information should include the following:

What products and chimney and stove cleaning services are covered. This should also include whether the contractor will replace or repair the product in the event of a product failure.

If the warranties are transferrable to the new owner if you sell your home.

The chimney sweep professional's name and physical address.

Your responsibility if you place a warranty claim (i.e., if you have to pay for labor or materials, or if you are required to pay a prorated amount).

Terms, limitations and exclusions on the chimney cleaning and repair materials and workmanship.

Top 10 Requests

Most Common Chimney Sweep Service Requests in Sonoma County

Chimney sweep companies in Sonoma County, including the major cities of Cloverdale, Sebastopol, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Guerneville, offer all types of chimney services. However, some services are more common than others. The following are the top 10 requests for local chimney sweep companies.

Chimney Cleaning in Sonoma County This is the process of eliminating soot, creosote, and debris from chimneys and wood stoves. This should be done on a regular basis in order for the chimney to operate as efficiently and safely as possible.

Chimney Cleaning LogA log saturated with chemicals that is burned in a fireplace and loosens creosote and soot in the flue. This is not a safe substitute for literally physically cleaning the flue by a chimney professional.

Chimney Sweep BrushQuality brush made out of hundreds of sturdy, durable wire bristles used to clean chimney flues.

Chimney Sweeping Services in Sonoma County Refers to the mechanical cleaning of chimneys to eliminate debris, creosote, and soot. This is usually done with brushes and mechanical scraping

Chimney Damper CapsChimney dampers with caps are attached to the top of the chimney. This device has a cap to protect them from weather.

Sonoma County Chimney RepairThe process of restoring broken or damaged chimneys to service. This can involve tuckpointing loose brickwork, rebuilding or resealing when the chimney is cracked or broken.

Chimney SuppliesProducts and tools related to cleaning, maintaining, and repairing chimneys and fireplaces.

Chimney Inspections in Sonoma County The scope of work performed by a chimney sweep in inspecting or evaluating a fireplace, stove or other venting system.

Chimney Cap RepairRepair of the protective covering for the chimney. The is usually made of stainless steel, galvanized or copper. Chimney caps will have a mesh screening that serves two purpose – spark arrestor and barrier against animals. Chimney caps will also stop rain from entering the flue of the chimney.

Glossary Of Terms

Glossary of Chimney Cleaning and Wood Stove Service Terms

Below are the key chimney sweep terms and descriptions that help you navigate your way through your chimney sweep services from beginning to end.

aluminum relining pipeAluminum that is used as a relining pipe as it will can be used to reline flues for low-efficiency gas furnaces. This device will not produce enough heat or moisture to create the need for a more durable stainless steel relining pipe.

cast aluminum A light weight and rust proof metal made when molten aluminum is poured into pre-shaped molds or casts.

chimneyA structure that is made of masonry or metal. It surrounds and supports the flues which vent products of combustion from oil, gas, or solid fuel appliances or fireplaces.

Also known as: stainless steel chimney, chimney pots, outdoor chimney

chimney capsA protective covering for a chimney that is usually made of stainless steel, galvanized or copper. These caps usually have a mesh screening that serves the dual purpose: spark arrestor and barrier against animals. Chimney caps also stop rain from entering the flue.

chimney cleaning logA log saturated with chemicals. When it is burned in a fireplace it is said to loosen creosote and soot in the flue. It is believed this is not a safe substitute for a chimney professional physically cleaning the flue.

chimney liner The inner portion of the chimney that can be made of clay tiles or metal. It contains the products of combustion. For flues to be serviceable, they must stay in tact and free from any perforations, cracks or damage that could permit the products of combustion to pass into the living spaces of the house, or the heat from the products of combustion to endanger combustible materials near the flue (like the framing, walls, ceilings, insulation, or floors).

chimney relining Replacing the inner wall of the flue in the chimney. Uusually the damaged liner is removed n the liner may be clay or metal n and new metal liner installed. Most chimneys are relined with stainless steel of an alloy appropriate for the fuel that is being burned.

chimney sweep Inner part of the chimney which contains the products of combustion. It is made of clay tiles or metal. For flues to be serviced, they must stay intact and free from perforations or damage of any kind that could permit the products of combustion to pass into the home, or the heat from the products of combustion to jeopardize combustible materials near the flue, like the walls, ceilings, insulation, or floors.

fireplaces A devices for indoor burning that is opened on one or more sides. It is most often made of masonry or metal construction and located in the home. Fireplaces are usually used for burning wood for effect rather than used for a heat source.

flue A device that is used to contain and vent the products of combustion from oil, gas, or solid fuel appliances and fireplaces. A chimney’s inner part which contains the products of combustion from gas, oil, or solid fuel appliances. Flues are made of clay tiles or metal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for Local Chimney Sweep Companies

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified chimney sweep company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a chimney sweep company with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country's most in-depth rating process. Only chimney sweep companies rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can't pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you'll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified chimney sweep companies.

Q: How often should you clean your fireplace chimney and wood stove chimney?
A: A yearly inspection of your chimney is recommended, and cleaning and repairs of the chimney should be done as necessary. Free standing stoves or fire place inserts that are used to heat the home should be inspected and cleaned every year. Regular fireplaces should be maintained and cleaned on a consistent schedule, too. They should be cleaned after every cord of wood burned or at least every two or three years.

Q: How much time does it take to clean my chimney and is there any mess?
A: It will take an hour to clean most chimneys. That includes the setup of tarps, vacuum, and the tool and taking it all down. Pre-fab fireplaces take about 45 minutes. An insert will take from one to three hours. It depends on how often the insert is cleaned, the type of wood that is burned, and the way the stove is operated.

Q: How can I help prevent a chimney fire in my home?
A: First, make sure your chimney is installed correctly. It shouldn't be too close to the framing or the insulation. Also the pipe should pass through the ceiling correctly. Often check the chimney for any structural damage. You can look for buckling of the inner seem or the inner lining collapsing. Lastly, check twice a month for a build up of creosote and soot. If you begin to see it, hire a chimney sweep to take care of the problem.

Q: Should a chimney be checked if you heat with gas?
A: Definitely! Generally gas is a clean burning fuel, but the chimney can be nonfunctional because of bird nests and other debris. Also modern furnaces can be the reason for lots of problems because the average flue was intended to vent for the older generation of furnaces.

Q. My fireplace stinks, especially in the summer. What can I do?
A: The odor is due to creosote deposits in the chimney, a byproduct of burning wood. The smell is usually worse in the summer if the humidity is high and the air conditioner is on. A good cleaning will help but will not resolve the problem entirely. You can try commercial chimney deodorants that work pretty well or baking soda or even kitty litter set in the fireplace. The problem is that the air is being drawn down the chimney, a symptom of overall pressure problems in the house. Some make-up air should be introduced elsewhere in the house. A top mounted damper will help reduce this air flow coming from the chimney.

Q: How do I minimize a buildup of creosote in my home chimney?
A: You can minimize creosote by burning only seasoned wood. Also don't burn trash in the fireplace. Thirdly, do not let the fire smolder. Call a chimney professional to clean out your chimney on a regular basis.

Q: What do I do if I have a chimney fire?
A: First, get everyone out of your home. Then call the fire department. Do not close the damper.If you have a fireplace, close the doors and vents. If you have a wood stove, then close the doors and the inlets. If you spray water on a hot chimney, you will probably damage it. Lastly, call your chimney sweep company before you use your fireplace or chimney again. Even small fires can damage your chimney and it may not be safe to use.

Q: Why do I need a cap on my chimney?
A: Chimney caps keep out rain. Rain causes problems, including bad chimney smells, and it also begins the rusting of metal parts. Chimney caps will keep out birds, squirrels, and other animals that might find a comfortable spot in your chimney. Caps also prevent backpuffing, or smoke coming back into your house. A good chimney cap will keep out leaves, which can choke the flue. This also could set off a chimney fire if the flue is dirty.

Q: How do I keep birds out of my chimney?
A: The simple answer is to have your chimney contractor install a stainless steel chimney cap. This stops many things: birds, squirrels, other animals, rain, and leaves.